New Delhi: Questioning the visit of US President Donald Trump's visit to India, Congress has said that, "US President's visit to India must not be a photo opportunity or a PR exercise or any addition to his election campaigning."
While addressing a press conference, Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "India and US have a strategic relationship which Congress understands as well as supports. We feel this visit should not become a link to the election campaign of the US President or limited to just photo opportunity. The outcome of this visit should be in the national interest."
"This visit is important for both countries- in terms of partnership and cooperation in the fields of defense, economy, nuclear energy, space, agriculture and technology. Three things that need to be kept in mind for this journey, including sovereignty, self respect and national interest," he said.
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He also mentioned that since US has declared India as a developed nation, there are chances of them levying new trade measures that can affect the country. Sharma said, "Some recent events cast a shadow on Indo-US relationship as USA abolished the GSP despite being in an important partnership with India which eliminates the opportunity for goods produced in India to enter the US market at low costs."While making a sarcastic comment over Trump's recent statement related to his visit to India, Sharma said, "As he said, he has a good relationship with PM Narendra Modi has been assured that he will be welcomed by 50 to 70 lakh people. In such situation, prove that the burning issues of country like H1B1 visa, GSP etc will be resolved.
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He also questioned the stand of Centre by claiming that the visit is being managed by 'Nagrik Abhinandan Samiti', saying, "Is Donald Trump coming India at the invitation of this committee? When was this committee formed? Reality is that all money belongs to government of India and Gujarat. The state government has given all approvals."
